Antique Chalice and Paten. Silver and Gilded Brass. France, Circa 1900

Antique silver and gold-plated brass chalice and paten, coming from France and dated circa 1900. The chalice has a gold-plated foot and stem and a solid-silver cup, while the paten is made of silver too. Both the paten and the chalice bear hallmarks that testify for the silvers origin and quality. We can see the mark of antique French silver with the profile of Minerva goddess and the silversmiths mark (a diamond shape). The chalice only has one hallmark, located near the cups edge. It is a fine item with a powerful aesthetic, a stylized shape and a rich color combination. The chalices foot includes an ample lobe-shaped base decorated with fine handmade engravings, golden details and color crystals. We can see three dark-red crystals original from the time. The brass stem has a main node with red and green crystals and a secondary node behind. Both nodes are decorated with floral-inspired engraved motifs. At the main node, two of the crystals are carved; this suggests that the original ones were replaced at some time. The silver cup is contained by a brass openwork base with a medieval-inspired design. It is composed of symmetrical long leaves interspersed with crystals. One of the green crystals that adorn this part is missing. The base contains a lovely silver cup with a stylized shape and in amazing condition. Last but not least, the silver paten shows off a sober design with a hand-engraved Latin cross in the center. The material combination and the fine decoration of this antique silver and golden-brass chalice and paten turn it into a very special item, full of charm and beauty. Measurements: Foots Width: 6.4 in / 16 cm. Height: 9.8 in / 24.5 cm. Cups Width: 3.6 in / 9 cm. Weight: 385 g. Paten: Diameter: 5.2 in / 13 cm. Weight: 50 g.